THE future of the Ockment Centre is looking brighter than ever, as the centre has plans to make itself financially sustainable within the coming year.

Okehampton United Charity has made a £12,500 donation to go towards the running costs of the centre for the next 12 months.

Karen Percival, clerk of the charity, visited the centre on Monday to present the team running the facility with a cheque.

Since September, the Ockment Centre has been jointly run by a team of staff, taking on various responsbilities and roles. At the cheque presentation, team members spoke enthusiastically about their plans for the future.

Key to the centre's future is the intention to take over ownership of the building from Devon County Council, which is signing over the facility for a nominal sum.

The centre's monthly costs will be reduced when this happens, as the building is currently leased from the council.

The centre is also reaching out to more community groups and local people to use the centre.

Jenny Hopkins, one of the team members running the centre, said: 'This donation means a great deal to us to help with the running costs for the year ahead.

'Okehampton United Charity's support over the years has been invaluable, and they are the reason that the Ockment Centre is still here.

'We are in the first phase of moving the centre forward, and taking ownership of the building from Devon County Council will be a big step in that.

'We're working differently to try and move the centre forward.

'We want this to be a springboard towards our own sustainability, which we believe is now within the realms of possibility. During the recession, many organisations were hit hard, ourselves included.

'Sustainability wasn't a realistic goal then. It is now.'

Donna Middleton, also a member of the Ockment Centre team, said: 'We are starting more community events here, to get people involved in the centre and to help us towards our fundraising goals.

'We have a lot of goals, the most pressing being fixing the windows in our hall.

'In the last few months, the trustees have taken on a lot and done an awful lot for the centre, and we are very thankful to them and everyone involved in the centre past and present for helping us get to where we are now.'

Karen Percival, clerk for Okehampton United Charity, said: 'I have had many positive comments from organisations and charities I have been in contact with through the United Charity saying that the Ockment Centre is doing an awful lot to involve themselves in the community, and I think Okehampton can only benefit from having a building with a real community centre feel.'

The centre's next community event is a local craft and produce fair on Saturday, March 1 from 10am to 2pm.

There will be face painting, a prize draw, refreshments and bacon baps alongside the stalls full of crafts and produce.

For more information on the centre call 01837 53276 or visit http://www.ockmentcentre.org">www.ockmentcentre.org